The Chatham Board of Selectmen knows there will not be the money to pay for the usual spending increases in FY11 (6.5% on average over the last nine years). CCT delivered the message on June 23rd to the Board that overspending has finally caught up with overtaxing. (We plan a similar communication to the School Committee.)
Our key suggestions to the Board of Selectmen:

In planning for FY11 we ask that the interests of the taxpayer be taken into account, as we had hoped would be done for FY10. Our advice, respectfully proffered, is this: Start making cuts in FY10 spending. For FY11, assume no increase in the core property tax levy; assume no overrides or capital exclusions. The aim should be to reduce spending to fit within realistically expected revenues.

CCT did meet informally with the Town Manager, who agreed that FY11 might well require freezes and cuts in services and personnel. State and local revenues are declining. We indicated we did not want to be “unnecessarily adversarial” and hoped we could find some common ground. We certainly will support realism that takes into account the interests of taxpayers and town officials who make the necessary difficult decisions.

Of course, there is always the chance that money will magically appear from places yet unknown or means will be employed to increase the property tax levy without taxpayer consent.

Tuesday this week (August 4) presents a double-header opportunity to hear what town officials have to say.

• At 4 o’clock the Selectmen meet and the Town Manager will discuss the FY11 budget at the tag end of the agenda. (Town Hall downstairs, televised on Channel 18, on the Town’s website next day)

• At 7 o’clock in the Chatham Community Center the Town Manager and other officials will discuss the budget, the Wastewater Project and other issues at the Summer Residents Annual Meeting. CCT met with the group’s leadership a short time ago and presented our views about Town overtaxing and overspending, the escalating budget squeeze and the huge cost burdens to taxpayers of the planned Wastewater Project that could start hitting as soon as FY12. (Not televised, but will be posted a day or two later on the Town’s website)

Taxpayers should attend or view both meetings to gauge how seriously taxpayers’ views are being considered.

Town officials will schedule a special town meeting, probably in October, to consider the adoption of new local taxes – 0.75% to be added to the meals tax and 2% to the 4% hotel/motel tax already going to the Town. The state authorized these local option taxes earlier this year. Should the Town burden local businesses with these taxes? Should the Town get more to spend or should the taxpayers get property tax relief if the taxes are approved?

Though it’s summer, important things are happening. Remember, Town Meeting has the power to say “YES” or “NO” to whatever is proposed. Taxpayers almost sent back for a rewrite the too fat, overspending FY10 budget.

Taxpayers can and will be out in force to demand the Town face reality in FY11. Discussion on FY11 are starting now and for the first time the Finance Committee will work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Selectmen on the budget. That’s a big plus.

We are looking into solving the wastewater pollution problem for a lot less money than what the Town is planning to spend.